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Locals hit by fraud

Battlefords RCMP urge residents to be weary of offers that sound too good to be true.file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff

If it seems too good to be true it probably is.

That’s the warning members of the Battlefords RCMP are issuing to local residents in the wake of recent complaints of money scams and frauds happening in the area.

Battlefords RCMP Sgt. Jason Teniuk said the detachment has received numerous calls regarding possible phone scams and emails and he suggests the best way to avoid a scam is to look for the warning signs.

“The one we see the most is people being told they have to pay money in order to claim a prize,” Teniuk said. “A prize is free and you should never have to pay anything if it’s legitimate. Scams will often try to get the winners to pay for expenses like legal fees and this should be an automatic red flag to anyone."

Teniuk added that you should hang up on any callers who will not take "no" for an answer or those who spend a great deal of time trying to earn your trust.

“These scammers are very well-rehearsed,” Teniuk said. “They are experts at convincing you why you should buy a particular service or product.”

He also warned of callers who are more excited about the product or service than you are.

“A few years ago I won a tractor in a raffle and the gentleman who called me was calm and even-keeled throughout the conversation so I knew it was legit,” he added. “Remember scammers are high pressure and high intensity.”

The 17-year veteran of the police force also warned of “limited time” offers that put pressure on you to act immediately and never give out private financial information over the telephone or email.

“Banks and reputable businesses never ask for this information over the phone,” said Teniuk. “Plus legitimate businesses will give you time to research and think about the deal you are being offered.”

Teniuk advised residents that if they have any questions or concerns about an offer they have received from a telephone solicitor, they should discuss it with friends, family or contact their local RCMP detachment.

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